Digital Backgrounds

[phoenixalpha]

that image there, Justin. If it was a sufficient enough quality for a decent enough reproduction - dependant on timescales here (ten minute max I'd say) - I'd take out the backdrop, put in a complimentary colour with a bit of gradient fade to make it look a lot better, clone in his elbow and extend the image out side and bottom to give enough to fill the image and give you some bleed so that the image bleeds off making it look halfway decent.

Show the customer their artwork plonked in the middle of a jigsaw and *my* version. If they dont want my version, they get their own version as they asked for. I'd try my best but if the customer wants something else, then its their call.

[Justin]

Yeah, that's basically what I've done. I added a solid background but the harsh squared edges don't help. I changed the background to something a little more subtle and personally I think it works better. I can also then change the shape to fit any blank. Problem is, as I get these images I don't want to be spending too much time on them so it's getting the right balance.

[phoenixalpha]

Thats why I was saying with time and financial constraints. If you dont have the time all those 5-10 minute jobs wont be cost effective to you. The bottom line is if you have the time to spare, go for it. If you dont the customer is unlikely to recompense you for your effort.

[Justin]

Yes, that's the balance. If everything could go onto the same background and edited quickly it's not a problem

[Russ]

If you use software that accepts layers, you could make the background as big as the largest product, then Place the subject in a separate layer. Crop the big image for each product?
I only do mugs (so far) so not sure if what I'm saying makes sense for other products.

[ASLCreative]

The best way to convince a customer about quality issues is to show them actual examples of "poor" and "good" photos on printed products

Likewise do the same for backgrounds - with and without a plain white background.

[Justin]

OK, update on this, customer wants white background leaving as it is so I have to run with that. White onto white blanks, never mind

[Russ]

Oh well - high key shots are in vogue, looking in photographers window displays shows a number of these type of shots.

[phoenixalpha]

What you did is what I would've done and it's the best you can hope for but as I said... the customer is always right.

Do it, forget about it, move on to the next one. I've seen your work and it's spot on and that more than most can say.

[Paul]

There os nothing wrong with photo with white bacground printed n white blank. If photo is highh resolution this can look nice and clean.

Ohhh.. Only coz.someone is photographe on white background not mean its high key